Fall Colors in Michigan: See Fall Foliage Along the Kalamazoo River

When the leaves start turning in Saugatuck, the Kalamazoo River gives you plenty of ways to see them. You can watch the colors from the deck of a paddlewheel boat, kayak past the wooded shoreline, hike above the river, or climb to the top of Mount Baldhead for a view that stretches across Saugatuck, Douglas, the river, and Lake Michigan.

Fall color in Saugatuck typically peaks between mid- and late October. While exact timing shifts every year depending on the weather, keeping an eye on local foliage reports as your trip approaches will help you time your visit just right.

Here are a few of our favorite ways to experience fall foliage along the river.

Take a Fall Color Cruise on the Kalamazoo River

One of our favorite ways to see fall foliage along the Kalamazoo River is from the deck of the Star of Saugatuck. The open-air upper deck gives you an unobstructed look at changing trees, rolling dunes, and waterfront homes as you cruise down the river channel toward Lake Michigan. If an autumn breeze brings a chill, you can move down to the enclosed lower deck to stay comfortable without missing any of the scenery.

The regular sightseeing cruises are a great option during the day, but the Star of Saugatuck also offers several special cruises throughout the season. Weekend sunset cruises are a fun way to see the river as the light changes, while specialty events such as Wine on the Water, Bourbon on the Boat, and the Halloween-themed Boo's Cruise give you another reason to get out on the water. Check the Star of Saugatuck's cruise schedule during your visit to see what's running.

If you're planning a fall getaway around one of the specialty cruises, keep in mind that some events are 21+ and may have limited availability.

Kayak or Paddleboard Along the River

For an even closer look at the fall foliage, get out on the Kalamazoo River yourself. A kayak or paddleboard puts you right alongside the shoreline, where you can see the changing trees reflected in the water and spot birds and other wildlife along the way.

Third Coast Paddling offers kayak and paddleboard rentals through October, so you can enjoy the peak of fall color season after the summer heat has cleared. In the Elements Rental also offers kayak and paddleboard rentals, with a public launch point at 716 Water Street in Saugatuck.

If you’d like to spend a little longer on the river, Water Trail Ventures offers guided and self-guided trips on the lower Kalamazoo River south of Saugatuck. Their routes travel through protected wetlands and forested shoreline, giving you a more remote look at the river and its fall scenery. Depending on the trip, they can also shuttle your vehicle to the landing point, so you don't have to paddle back upstream.

For more ideas on where to launch and where to rent kayaks, check out our guide to kayaking in Saugatuck.

Just keep an eye on the weather before heading out. October on the lakeshore can bring some chilly and windy days, so dress accordingly and check conditions before you launch.

See the Fall Colors From the Crow’s Nest Trail

You don’t have to get on the water to follow the Kalamazoo River. The Crow’s Nest Trail in the Tallmadge Woods (3400 Park St) gives you a different perspective, with a 1.7-mile loop that climbs from the woods to a bluff-top overlook before following a ridge above the river.

Instead of looking out across the water from town, this short hike puts you right in the middle of the canopy with views of the river winding below. The trail includes a few steep inclines and sandy spots, so wear sturdy shoes suitable for woodland terrain.

Walk Through Saugatuck Harbor Natural Area

Located just past Oval Beach, the Saugatuck Harbor Natural Area (Perryman St.) encompasses 173 acres where the Kalamazoo River meets Lake Michigan and the Oxbow Lagoon.

The trails wind through dunes, woods, wetlands, and shoreline, so you’ll see more than just fall foliage here. Look for the changing trees along the river and the reflections on the water, then continue toward the Lake Michigan side for a completely different landscape.

The natural area is also a good choice if you want a quieter walk rather than a longer hike. Just remember that the trails run through sensitive dune and wetland habitat, so stay on the designated paths.

Climb Mount Baldhead for the Big Picture

For a bird’s-eye view of the Kalamazoo River, climb Mount Baldhead.

Reaching the top requires a climb up a wooden staircase with more than 300 steps, but the view at the summit makes the workout completely worthwhile. From the top, you can see across Saugatuck and Douglas, along the Kalamazoo River, and out toward Lake Michigan.

Bring your camera along, and take advantage of the viewing platforms along the way if you need a quick break during the climb.

Look for Fall Reflections at Wade’s Bayou

If you are looking for another picture-perfect spot to photograph autumn colors, make a quick stop at Wade’s Bayou (52 Bayou St #22, Douglas).

On clear, still mornings, the bayou acts as a mirror, creating stunning reflections of the bright red, orange, and gold leaves along the shore. It’s also a good place to watch for wildlife, and you can combine a stop here with a kayak outing if you’d like to see the river from the water.

It is a relaxing, low-key spot to park for a few minutes, take some photos, and enjoy the river away from the busier areas of downtown.

Plan Your Fall Color Weekend in Saugatuck

One of the best things about fall in Michigan is that you don’t have to choose just one way to see the colors. You could take the Star of Saugatuck in the afternoon, walk through Saugatuck Harbor Natural Area the next morning, or grab a kayak and spend a few hours following the river.

And you don’t have to fill every minute of your trip with fall activities, either. After a day outside, come back to Hotel Saugatuck and enjoy your private suite, in-room fireplace, and hydrotherapy tub before heading downtown for dinner.

If you’re planning a fall getaway, book your stay at Hotel Saugatuck and make the Kalamazoo River part of your fall color tour.